CRANSTON, R.I. — Authorities arrested Jose Escalante, 33, on September 13 following a months-long investigation into alleged drug trafficking at a residence on Alpine Estates Drive previously owned by a convicted drug trafficker. The Cranston Police Department executed a search warrant at 141 Alpine Estates Drive, identifying the location as the former home of Jasdrual “Josh” Perez, who is currently serving a federal sentence exceeding 22 years for his role in a multistate fentanyl distribution network.
The property is owned by Judith Perez, mother of Jasdrual Perez and sister of Providence Police Chief Colonel Oscar Perez. Chief Oscar Perez stated he was unfamiliar with Escalante prior to the arrest. The investigation commenced in May after police received multiple complaints regarding suspected narcotics activity, frequent short-term visitors, loud disturbances, and marijuana use at the residence.
Cranston police detectives from the special investigations unit conducted surveillance and identified Escalante along with three other individuals occupying the home. Tips indicated that Escalante and these associates were involved in distributing marijuana, with possible production of pressed fentanyl and methamphetamine pills.
During the raid, officers arrested Escalante as he was leaving the property. He was found in possession of approximately half a pound of marijuana, a digital scale, and packaging materials. Additional drug paraphernalia was discovered inside the residence. Furthermore, police found a pit bull confined in the garage under severely neglectful conditions: the space was littered with garbage, dog waste, and urine, and the animal had been reportedly left without food or water for weeks.
Escalante faces felony charges of possession with intent to deliver a Schedule III narcotic and maintaining a common narcotics nuisance, as well as a misdemeanor count of animal cruelty. The dog was seized by city animal control authorities.
Two other men residing at the home, Jean C. Hernandez, 31, and Bryan O. Torres, 27, were also charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty. Hernandez was taken into custody on September 15 after attempting to retrieve the dog from the shelter, while Torres surrendered to authorities on an arrest warrant the following day. Both were arraigned and released on their own recognizance.
Escalante was arraigned on September 14 in Third Division District Court and released on a $50,000 surety bond. Police have indicated that the investigation into the alleged drug activities at the residence remains ongoing.